Cast
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Derren Nesbitt
as The Man
Julie Hopkins
as Hazel Ashley
Howard Marion-Crawford
as Major Donald Peters
Victor Brooks
as Tom Baldwin
Jack Allen
as Jack Ashley
Christopher Witty
as Johnny Ashley
Carmel McSharry
as Mrs. Annie Ashley
Mary Manson
as Jill Shadwell
Bruce Seton
as Landlord
Celia Hewitt
as Woman at Bus Stop
Peter Swanwick
as Dr. Nichols
Richard Pearson
as Sgt. Burt Norris
Humphrey Lestocq
as Bennett
Crew
Director
- Terry Bishop
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Life in Danger examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Terry Bishop brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1959, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Life in Danger took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 63 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 103 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1356 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1959, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Life in Danger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Return of Martin Guerre, which focuses more on action than character development, Life in Danger subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Goodnight, Mister Tom and Forbidden explore similar territory, Life in Danger stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 30, 1959
- Runtime: 1h 3m
